Stableworker says NYRA won’t explain why he’s banned

James Napolitana came to Saratoga Springs this month expecting to work for Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito. He says New York Racing Association won’t tell him why he’s not allowed to work at the track.
paul post-ppost@digitalfirstmedia.com

James Napolitana is not allowed on the grounds at Saratoga Race Course, where he expected to work this summer on the backstretch. New York Racing Association has declined comment. The 2017 Saratoga meet begins two months from this Sunday, on July 21.
paul post-ppost@digitalfirstmedia.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> James Napolitana came to Saratoga this month, expecting to do backstretch work for Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito.

After obtaining a license from the state Gaming Commission, he said New York Racing Association gave him a badge required to work at the track, but took it away hours later without explanation.

Napolitana’s pleas for reinstatement have fallen on deaf ears and, unable to stay in NYRA dormitory housing, he’s living out of his van.

“To this day I haven’t been given a reason,” he said. “I just want my badge back.”

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Zito said he met and hired, Napolitana, 62, earlier this year in Keeneland, Ky. and offered him a job in Saratoga Springs.

“He walks horses, he minds his business,” Zito said. “He’s a very nice guy. He told me he’d like to go to Saratoga because it’s on his ‘bucket list.’ He had cancer a few years ago. Plus, he’s from here originally. We all have compassion. What would you want me to do? Tell the guy to take a walk?

“I think NYRA should give the man a hearing,” he added.

NYRA spokesman Patrick McKenna declined comment on the matter.

Napolitana said he believes NYRA took his badge away because his ex-wife and her husband work for NYRA.

He said they were married for several months, divorced in 2003 and that they haven’t had contact except for chance encounters.

Napolitana said he previously worked at Saratoga Race Course from 2004-08, both for NYRA -- “I harrowed the track” -- and as a groom for different trainers.

He said NYRA banned him in 2008 following a dispute with someone at the track.

City police say the other person filed a complaint against Napolitana, but he was never arrested.

“There was no criminal offense associated with the complaint,” Lt. Robert Jillson said. “The case was closed.”

There is no record of Napolitano ever being arrested in Saratoga Springs, he said.

The New York State Gaming Commission oversees all racing and gaming regulatory matters. Spokesman Lee Park said Napolitana has a valid license, issued by the commission, which allows him to work in New York racing through Aug. 5, 2018.

“However, track operators like NYRA have the authority to prohibit individuals from the grounds, regardless of state license status,” Park said.

Napolitana said he’s attempted to reach different NYRA authorities, including racing Steward Baulio Baeza Jr., trying to get his plight resolved. Napolitana said when he contacted Baeza’s office, he was told the matter had been given to NYRA’s legal department.

Zito said he knows about Napolitano’s 2008 ban, but if the state granted him a license and allowed him to come back, he doesn’t understand why NYRA can’t, too.

“I’ve always been a NYRA fan,” Zito said. “I helped NYRA get its franchise back, but I’m confused in this area. The state can pull up his records. If he was granted a license, shouldn’t NYRA at least prove why they don’t want him, or give him a hearing? I just think the process should play itself out.”

Napolitana said he is not considering legal action against NYRA.

“All he wants to do is get his badge back, get back to work and fill out his bucket list,” Zito said.